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Burnt Offerings for October 29, 2014

Over the past few weeks, I’ve noticed an alarming increase in the number of MOD titles that are simply re-releases of out-of-print discs and a decrease in the number of never-before-released movies. We’re probably going to be seeing a lot more of that, unfortunately. But at least this week, there are a few brand new Most Wanted picks making their overdue DVD debuts. Let’s take a gander at them and at a special all-scary-movie edition of Wide Awake In Streamland for your Halloween viewing pleasure. [Read on here...]

NEW FROM THE WARNER ARCHIVE COLLECTION

Wicked, Wicked (1973) – This was one of the very earliest JET’s Most Wanted picks, the only feature film shot entirely in the miracle of Duo-Vision (or, as its more commonly known, split-screen). A campy horror-mystery with a masked killer stalking his victims in a seaside hotel, more people have probably seen the trailer for Wicked, Wicked than have seen the movie itself. Now that it’s finally available on DVD, maybe that’ll change.

The Cossacks (1928) – John Gilbert and Renée Adorée, stars of the classic The Big Parade, reunite for this silent drama based on the book by Leo Tolstoy.

Why Be Good? (1929) – Return to the Roaring Twenties in this silent comedy about a flapper (Colleen Moore) whose night of wild fun ends with her romantically linked to her boss (Neil Hamilton). It’s really good to see Warner Archive releasing more silent movies like these.

Mokey (1942) – This week’s actor spotlight is Robert Blake, from his child star days to the 70s. Mokey is not about the beloved Fraggle. Mokey is Bobby Blake, a precocious 8-year-old who seems to be on the fast track to Juvie Hall thanks to his unaffectionate father (Dan Dailey) and new, young stepmother (Donna Reed).

Revolt In The Big House (1958) – Blake, now officially Robert, ends up in the slammer but he’s fundamentally a decent kid, manipulated by psychos like Gene Evans and Timothy Carey into starting a prison riot and busting out of the joint.

Corky (1972) – Blake’s a good ole boy with big dreams of becoming a championship stock car racer. Charlotte Rampling costars as Corky’s wife and a number of real-life racing legends appear as themselves, including Richard Petty and Cale Yarborough.

The Super Globetrotters: The Complete Series (1979) – The Harlem Globetrotters became Saturday morning staples in the 70s, headlining an original animated series, a live-action variety show and ultimately this animated spinoff that transformed the team into such less-than-beloved superheroes as Super Sphere and Spaghetti Man. It ran only 13 episodes and they’re all here for your binge-watching pleasure.

Back In Print – Three previously released classics are back in print this week: Ronald Reagan in Kings Row (1942), Dick Powell starring as Philip Marlowe in Murder, My Sweet (1944) and Fritz Lang’s Clash By Night (1952) with Robert Ryan, Barbara Stanwyck and Marilyn Monroe.

WIDE AWAKE IN STREAMLAND

Witching & Bitching (Netflix) – Any new movie from Alex de la Iglesia is a reason to stop whatever you’re doing and give it your full attention. This time, a heist goes horribly, horribly wrong and a group of thieves end up crossing paths with a coven of witches. Expect insanity. Also available on DVD from IFC Films.

Frankenhooker (Hulu) – Wanna date? Yes, you do. Frank Henenlotter’s cult classic is one of my favorite movies of the 1990s. I don’t understand why James Lorinz didn’t become a huge comedic actor after this movie. It’s a gem. Also available on Blu-ray and DVD from Synapse.

Taste The Blood Of Dracula (Warner Archive Instant) – Not all of Christopher Lee’s outings as Dracula for Hammer Films were classics but this is one of the more enjoyable sequels with a trio of debauched libertines resurrecting the Count. Lots of fun, particularly in the early scenes. Also available on DVD from Warner.

Monsters (Amazon Prime, Netflix, Vudu) – If you haven’t caught up with Godzilla director Gareth Edwards’ Monsters yet, you really should. This is low-budget sci-fi/horror done well. Also available on Blu-ray and DVD from Magnolia.

The Paul Lynde Halloween Special (Amazon) – Celebrate the holiday with Paul Lynde, Witchie-Poo, the Wicked Witch of the West, Florence Henderson and KISS! One of those variety shows that make you suspect everybody in the 1970s completely lost their mind simultaneously. Available on DVD but kind of hard to find.

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About Dr. Adam Jahnke

Dr. Adam Jahnke was a Senior Editor for The Digital Bits from 2000-2014. His regular columns include Burnt Offerings: MOD DVD, The Bottom Shelf and Jahnke's Electric Theater (which includes the popular JET's Most Wanted and the annual month-long Hell Plaza Oktoberfest celebration…

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